This song is about how workers have been injured, maimed, and died on the job for capitalists. This song highlights how there’s already violence inherent to the system of capitalism, though I feel it’s impossible to see that message without also realizing that we should not be afraid of violence when opposing the capitalist class in strikes, protests, and other direct action.
“We have always lived in slums and holes in the wall. We will know how to accommodate ourselves for a time. For, you must not forget, we can also build. It is we the workers who built these palaces and cities here in Spain and in America and everywhere. We, the workers, can build others to take their place. And better ones! We are not in the least afraid of ruins. We are going to inherit the earth; there is not the slightest doubt about that. The bourgeoisie may blast and burn its own world before it finally leaves the stage of history. We are not afraid of ruins. We who ploughed the prairies and built the cities can build again, only better next time. We carry a new world, here in our hearts. The world is growing this minute.”
—Buenaventura Durruti, interview with Pierre van Paassen (1936-07-24)
I’ve never heard of this interview, I’ll have to look it up!
